MUSKEGON COUNTY — If Kryssis Bjork and Kay Ostrom have their way, Muskegon will make the world a more peaceful place in 2012.

Bjork and Ostrom, who are co-chairs of the Year of Interfaith Understanding in Muskegon County, said fostering understanding and peace among different religious groups is an important step toward peace in the world in general.

Mayors of Muskegon County cities will gather at 1 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Culinary Institute of Michigan, 336 W. Clay, to issue a proclamation in support of the Year of Interfaith Understanding. Area religious leaders and musical groups from Reeths-Puffer and Muskegon high schools will also participate. The program is free and open to the public.

The interfaith year grew out of dialogues between Christians and Jews that began in Muskegon about 20 years ago, Ostrom said. As interest grew, some of the programs were moved to Grand Valley State University so more people could attend.

“Everything is about deepening people's spirits and spirituality,” she said.

Later in the month, a “Human Reproductive Rights” breakfast and dialogue will take place at Harbor Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 1296 Montgomery, to commemorate the Roe vs. Wade decision that legalized abortion. The breakfast will be 10:30 a.m. Jan. 21, followed by a rally for abortion rights at Hackley Park, Bjork said.

“As a woman, it affects you regardless of your religious orientation,” she said. “This is quite an eclectic group.”

Later events will include performances, discussions of spirituality in certain communities, tours of various houses of worship and other dialogues and celebrations throughout the year.

“This is not about conversion. It's about conversation,” Bjork said. “The point is to understand and honor and respect each other.”

Here is the schedule of upcoming events scheduled for the Year of Interfaith Understanding in Muskegon County: